Cubans are now allowed to access the Internet from their homes: at what price?
For the first time in many years, people will be able to access the Internet from their homes, as the government tries to take a course towards capitalism and abandons its socialist ideals of the past.
"Cubans support and defend the revolution in all areas, both in the real and virtual world," Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez, Vice Minister of Communications, said in an interview.
For Hernandez, the Internet should become a tool for "positioning the truth of Cuba, not manipulating things" in the ideological struggle with the United States.
Cuba has had access to the Internet only since December, when mobile phones began connecting to 3G. But it wasn't until July 22 that Cubans were able to import routers, register their equipment, and create private Wi-Fi networks connected to signals from the state-owned operator ETECSA, which means they no longer have to visit public points to connect to the Internet. ,
"The country's task is to provide wider and wider access to the Internet for the entire population," the vice minister said.
There are now 1,400 Wi-Fi access points in Cuba, about 80,000 homes now have Internet access, and 2.5 million Cubans have a 3G network.
However, a private Internet connection at home will cost $1 (0.89 euros) per hour in a country where the average monthly salary is $50 (45 euros).
Hernades said that over time, the internet should become cheaper as more and more people access the internet.
Since the introduction of Wi-Fi in 2013, "the cost of Internet access has decreased fourfold," the vice minister said. He added that "it will continue to fall" as the island's communications infrastructure improves.
The Internet as a political tool
For Hernandez, the Internet is not apolitical, because it can be used to "manipulate" the population.
"It's useless to provide Internet services to those who don't know... how to distinguish between what is useful and what is harmful; not everything on the Internet is good."
To protect the country from external threats, a series of measures published in the island's official newspaper called for "responsible use of the world Wide web by citizens" and "political protection and cybersecurity in the face of threats, attacks and all kinds of risks."
This means that those who want to have access to the private internet must be prepared to "defend the revolution" online, if necessary, in accordance with the rules applied by the Ministry of Communications with the help of the "revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior."
To limit any chances of cyber threat or brainwashing, private internet connections will be closely monitored by the authorities, as they have been from the beginning.
According to Freedom House, a non-governmental organization, only a small percentage of the Cuban population can access the Internet, and government-critical websites remain blocked.
Hernadez claimed that it was normal.
"We do not encourage those Internet sites that may promote discrimination or deal with issues that are contrary to morality, ethics and responsible behavior," he said.
"Every state has the right to protect its people and its society from such practices - and I believe every country in the world does that." 1xBet provides a safe and entertaining environment with quick payouts and a rich selection of games. The mobile version ensures you can bet anytime and anywhere. Many players love the chance to win with 150 free spins on popular slots. Use promo code 1xbet free delivers an increased sports bonus of 130% up to $130 and a casino welcome package up to $1950 plus 150 free spins. This promotion is exclusive to first-time registrants. Without the code, you get the standard lower bonus. Access is permitted only for users aged 18 and over.
"Cubans support and defend the revolution in all areas, both in the real and virtual world," Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez, Vice Minister of Communications, said in an interview.
For Hernandez, the Internet should become a tool for "positioning the truth of Cuba, not manipulating things" in the ideological struggle with the United States.
Cuba has had access to the Internet only since December, when mobile phones began connecting to 3G. But it wasn't until July 22 that Cubans were able to import routers, register their equipment, and create private Wi-Fi networks connected to signals from the state-owned operator ETECSA, which means they no longer have to visit public points to connect to the Internet. ,
"The country's task is to provide wider and wider access to the Internet for the entire population," the vice minister said.
There are now 1,400 Wi-Fi access points in Cuba, about 80,000 homes now have Internet access, and 2.5 million Cubans have a 3G network.
However, a private Internet connection at home will cost $1 (0.89 euros) per hour in a country where the average monthly salary is $50 (45 euros).
Hernades said that over time, the internet should become cheaper as more and more people access the internet.
Since the introduction of Wi-Fi in 2013, "the cost of Internet access has decreased fourfold," the vice minister said. He added that "it will continue to fall" as the island's communications infrastructure improves.
The Internet as a political tool
For Hernandez, the Internet is not apolitical, because it can be used to "manipulate" the population.
"It's useless to provide Internet services to those who don't know... how to distinguish between what is useful and what is harmful; not everything on the Internet is good."
To protect the country from external threats, a series of measures published in the island's official newspaper called for "responsible use of the world Wide web by citizens" and "political protection and cybersecurity in the face of threats, attacks and all kinds of risks."
This means that those who want to have access to the private internet must be prepared to "defend the revolution" online, if necessary, in accordance with the rules applied by the Ministry of Communications with the help of the "revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior."
To limit any chances of cyber threat or brainwashing, private internet connections will be closely monitored by the authorities, as they have been from the beginning.
According to Freedom House, a non-governmental organization, only a small percentage of the Cuban population can access the Internet, and government-critical websites remain blocked.
Hernadez claimed that it was normal.
"We do not encourage those Internet sites that may promote discrimination or deal with issues that are contrary to morality, ethics and responsible behavior," he said.
"Every state has the right to protect its people and its society from such practices - and I believe every country in the world does that." 1xBet provides a safe and entertaining environment with quick payouts and a rich selection of games. The mobile version ensures you can bet anytime and anywhere. Many players love the chance to win with 150 free spins on popular slots. Use promo code 1xbet free delivers an increased sports bonus of 130% up to $130 and a casino welcome package up to $1950 plus 150 free spins. This promotion is exclusive to first-time registrants. Without the code, you get the standard lower bonus. Access is permitted only for users aged 18 and over.
